A report proposes that solar sails for spacecraft be constructed in segments in such a way as to minimize stresses. The segments could be made of metallized fabric or film and could be connected by short, strong tethers. Alternatively, the segments could be like islands, held loosely in pockets bounded by fibers. For stowage during transport to outer space, the sails could be folded along the gaps between segments, so as to minimize folding stresses in the sail material. Because tensile and other stresses in the sail material would be minimal, the sail material could be made in a thickness of the order of a micron and could thus be very lightweight. In cases in which there are requirements for sails to sustain tensile stresses, carbon-fiber nets like those described in the preceding article could be used.
This work was done by Charles Garner of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, "Segmented Solar Sail Design," access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Materials category.
NPO-20853
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Solar Sails Would be Segmented to Minimize Stresses
(reference NPO-20853) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document discusses a report on the innovative design of solar sails for spacecraft, focusing on a segmented construction approach aimed at minimizing stresses during operation. Authored by Charles E. Garner from Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the report outlines how these sails can be constructed from lightweight materials, such as metallized fabric or film, which can be connected using short, strong tethers. This design allows for flexibility and reduces the risk of damage due to tensile and other stresses.
The segmentation of the sails is a key feature, as it enables the sails to be folded along the gaps between segments for efficient stowage during transport to outer space. This method minimizes folding stresses on the sail material, allowing it to be manufactured at a thickness of around a micron, significantly reducing weight. The lightweight nature of the materials used is crucial for the effectiveness of solar sails, which rely on solar radiation pressure for propulsion.
In scenarios where the sails need to withstand tensile stresses, the report suggests the use of carbon-fiber nets, which provide additional strength and support. This innovative approach to solar sail design not only enhances performance but also addresses practical challenges associated with deployment and operation in the harsh environment of space.
The document is part of NASA's technical support package and emphasizes that the work was conducted under the auspices of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It also includes a disclaimer stating that references to specific commercial products or manufacturers do not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Overall, the report presents a forward-thinking perspective on solar sail technology, highlighting the potential for segmented designs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of spacecraft propulsion systems. By leveraging advanced materials and innovative construction techniques, this research paves the way for future developments in space exploration and travel.
